What Qualifications Are Required To Become A Barber?

Opening your own barber shop is just like opening any other business. For the success of your barber business, you should know a variety of things like in terms of cutting hair, or how to get the word out. And most importantly, you need to be patient.

Furthermore, you need a barber license and insurance to start this business. However, there are other qualifications that you need to complete to become a barber. Some of them are mentioned below.

Age and education

Generally the minimum education that you need to become a barbers is either a high school diploma or GED. You should get specialized training at a barber school to learn the latest hair cutting techniques and hairstyles.

You can opt for either a master program of 630 hours or an advanced program of 360 hours offered by a reputed barber school in NYC. To get enrolled in these programs, you should be at least 18 years old.

Apprenticeship or On the Job Training

To become a skilled barber, you will have to learn skills and techniques through an apprenticeship. And according to some state’s rules, the apprenticeship should be completed with an established barber shop. You can perform an apprenticeship after completing your educational requirements. It will help you implement your education and learn more about different techniques. You can get hands on experience.

State License

You need to apply for a license to work in a barber shop. You will have to take a written test proving that you have learned the skills required by your state to issue you a license.

If you have the required qualification, skills and license, you can easily start your own business and even expand it different cities or states.

What You Learn Under A Master Barber Program?

The master barber program is for all those individuals who do not have any experience as a barber. Under this program, the individual can learn about the history of barbering, microbiology, skin disorders, professional image and ethics, infection control, shaving, facial, latest hairstyles, cutting techniques etc.

The program is usually of 630 hours, which is covered in 6 months. Students’ learn a number of things under this program, which further prepares them for the State exam. Some of the main things that a student can learn through this program include-

• Essential techniques - This     program provides an opportunity to the students to learn the essential or basic barbering techniques including cutting techniques. The different cutting techniques include scissor over comb cutting and clip cutting. However, if you have no idea about the profession, then this is the best program you should begin with.        

   

• Client relation - Maintaining a good relation with the client is very important to be     successful in this field. So, the course emphasizes the importance of good relationship as well as effective communication with the client.

   

• Wide range of styles - The program is aimed at teaching students all the latest hairstyles     starting from some beginner level hairstyles.    

   

• Chemistry of hair - Students get to know about the chemistry of hair, which is very     important to be successful in this field.    

   

• Implementation of tools - A number of tools are used in this profession. The program teaches students how to handle the basic equipment or tools which include     scissors, razors, clippers, combs etc.    

However, to get the master barber license, you need to find an institute that provides quality training in this field. You can ask for references or search the internet to find some of the best barber training institutes in your area.